Can You See It? Finding Hope When You Can’t See It

Hey, did you watch it? Don’t read on until you watch it (I know it’s tempting to scroll through but it is WORTH IT).

Done? 

Wasn’t that interesting? I love these kind of unexpected moments and learning. What we saw was an experience known as “inattentional blindness” and you can read more about it here. Although I’ve done this before, if I wait a while and let myself do what it asks, the same pattern surprisingly can occur. And it is a great example of what we are talking about: What you focus on you will see.

What you focus on you will see.

Finding Hope That is Sometimes Already There

There are many things we can miss in life. And it is not always just by our own choice. Sometimes it’s because of a message we have received (like what you just experienced) or it could be a personal predisposition or even busyness. For example, someone says you are not good at something and before long all you see is the ways you do NOT do it right or well. 

And before you know it, it is hard to see any of the good. This is what’s happening: You are choosing to see the basketball (bad things) instead of the gorilla (good things that are there).

To see the good gifts, it takes a prayerful effort—and oftentimes community—to keep our perspective tied to the hope that comes from one who does not grow weary: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

And to see His hand bringing good things, even in the midst of the hard. He is the giver of good gifts (James 1:17). 

• It can be having a Bible verse come at just the right time or the friend who calls unexpectedly. 
• It may be the prayer that is answered. 
• It may be YOU coming at just the right time to someone. 

In the moment we find it hard to see what is going on. But watch—look—search…and sometimes it is already there. And although Paul reminds us to see the good (Philippians 4:8) it is not easy. When we are at the end of ourselves and it is difficult to change our own perspective, let us draw deeper and nearer upon God. 

Moving from Gorillas to God

Now, I totally understand this is hard. I have been in the place where it seems almost impossible to change your view. (And this might be where you need community—others to walk a dark period with you.) The overwhelming tidal wave of life or busyness or pain can make it difficult to rest your heart. 

The overwhelming tidal wave of life or busyness or pain can make it difficult to rest your heart. 

But take some time to draw back. God DOES know the tired, discouraged, and weary, which is GOOD NEWS! Although the day may be dark, there is one who sees in the dark as if it is light (Psalm 139:12).

So, like the video above, turn your focus from counting to the gorilla. Turn it from your trials to your God. 

To get you started is a great passage below (emphases are mine). And here are some ideas for a process to engage God in the verses below:

• Turn your attention to God by pausing and inviting Him in. 
• Read these passages, perhaps even a couple times. 
• Pause on the ones that seem significant or strike you in some way. 
• Ask God “What are you saying from this?” And begin to reframe your thinking to fit this.
• Journal or write down any points that come out through it. Or even try writing it out in the form of a prayer.  

Isaiah 40:28-31 

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?
       The LORD is the everlasting God,
       the Creator of the ends of the earth.
       He will not grow tired or weary,
       and his understanding no one can fathom. 

 ²⁹ He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 

 ³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 

 ³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
       They will soar on wings like eagles;
       they will run and not grow weary,
       they will walk and not be faint.

May you experience a renewed sense of direction and in “seeing” and focusing on those hidden hopes!